Diverse Dining

Fairfield County Foodie's top 10 picks for ethnic restaurants.

I am a lover of all things food and I thrill in a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. Living in Fairfield County over the past few years, I have created a mental list (which I am finally putting on paper) of my favorite restaurants for when my various cravings strike me. So here goes:

Venezuelan

Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk. It’s a casual Venezuelan beach style restaurant. You must try Chef Michael Young’s many choices of arepas and empanadas. Along with a wide variety of savory empanadas, you can even try out the dessert versions like nutella and cream cheese. valencialuncheria.com/

Thai

I just LOVE Thai Spice in Norwalk. This casual little restaurant situated in a strip mall always thrills me with its wonderful and flavorful creations. I enjoy spicy foods and so one of my staples at this restaurant is spicy drunken noodles. Their big bowl noodle soups are excellent and so are their curries. I am addicted to their Thai Ice Tea – so help me God! littlethaikitchen.com/thaispice.htm

Portuguese

Duoro in Greenwich. I love how Chef Rui Correia takes you on a wonderful journey through Portuguese culinary landscape with Mediterranean influences. The taste of his Piri Piri sauce is forever embedded in my memory. A regular guest on the Today Show, Chef Rui’s varieties of Paelhas are a must try. dourorestaurantbar.com/avenue/

Middle Eastern

Safita in Fairfield. I recently discovered this gem while celebrating a dear friend’s birthday. Amal Houssoun brings us her authentic and homestyle food from the Middle East. I love the casual, laid back atmosphere. The homemade Za’tar spice mix served with olive oil and pita is divine. Try their Baba Ghanoush, Tabouleh, Hummus, the Shawarmas...even the simple rice pilaf they serve with main entrees is delish! facebook.com/safitarestaurant

Country French

Bon Appetit in Wilton. This delightful country French restaurant is tucked away in the most unexpected of places…in the Stop and Shop shopping mall in Wilton. Chef Lionel Arnal creates simply divine dishes that will warm your heart and soul. The menu changes constantly but you are not likely to go wrong with any dish here. I love the potatoes au gratin that comes as a side to most entrees. facebook.com/pages/Bon-Appetit-Cafe

Indian

Coromandal in SoNo. Wonderful aromas of Indian spices greet you as soon as you enter. And Gopi’s (the owner) smile and warmth is sure to put you at ease. Gopi will make sure that your dining experience is the finest. Lesuni Gobi is simply addictive! iryani (rice dish) is a great dish to try. For the gutsy, may I recommend chicken Chettinaad, Mamsam Koora and Chapla Koora. coromandelcuisine.com

Spanish

Barcelona. I just love the vibe and the consistently delicious food at Barcelona restaurants. Their tapas menu is perfect for those who are not too hungry or for those who wish to try many different dishes. Papas Bravas always makes me smile. So does their Half Chicken al Pimientos as well as their Paella! barcelonawinebar.com/

Italian

Finalmente Trattoria in Westport is where I go for authentic Italian food. Such a cozy and romantic little place! While Chef Guido works his magic in the kitchen, Andre the owner, greets every diner like they are old friends. Seems like this restaurant is a delicious little secret kept by a handful of regulars – as most people I talk to don’t seem to know of it. With a very authentic Italian menu, this is the only place, around here, where I have found a classic like Pasta e Fagioli. It is delicious, by the way. And their Tiramisu is the best I have had in Fairfield County thus far. finalmentetrattoria.com/

Modern American

The newcomer, Elm, is a sure winner in my eyes when it comes to modern American cuisine in Fairfield County. Chef Brian Lewis is a true genius. Everything he puts on a plate is stunning to look at and memorable as you eat. With a constantly changing menu, using locally sourced ingredients, you will just have to dine there regularly to decide on your favorites. elmrestaurant.com/

BBQ

Bobby Q’s in Westport. An old favorite of locals, Bobby Q’s will never disappoint. They have some of the most delicious array of sauces, and slow cooked meats. I can never leave here without devouring a rack of ribs, or their pulled pork or their beer can chicken…shall I go on? bobbyqsrestaurant.com/

Fairfield County Foodie: A Die-Hard Foodie & A Food Blogger
A self-proclaimed chocoholic and an avid eater with a passion for world cuisine, Fairfield County Foodie loves to try out new restaurants while constantly updating her list of favorite go-to’s. With a passion for cooking, she delights in delicious easy to follow recipes that make her guests feel like she has been slaving over the stove for hours. Psst…let’s keep this as our little secret, shall we?